Kai Sotto only played five minutes as Adelaide 36ers absorbed a 97-72 defeat over Tasmania JackJumpers to kick start their 2022-23 NBL campaign at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Filipino center did finish four points, three rebounds, and one steal.

However, Sotto collected those stats during garbage time, just when the game has already been decided.

Tasmania caught fire early with a 32-10 start and never looked back, as Adelaide failed to defend their home court.

Josh Magette steered the JackJumpers to victory with 23 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and four steals.

Craig Randall led the 36ers with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

The 36ers just recently came off successful preseason games against NBA teams such as Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Adelaide gets a chance to redeem itself Saturday when it hosts the Illawarra Hawks.